Head of Insights & Market Intelligence Job Description: Complete Guide for 2026
What Does a Head of Insights & Market Intelligence Do?
The Head of Insights & Market Intelligence is a strategic leadership position responsible for transforming data into actionable business intelligence. This role sits at the intersection of market research, competitive analysis, consumer insights, and strategic planning, guiding organizations toward data-driven decision-making.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, this position has become increasingly critical as companies navigate complex markets, shifting consumer behaviors, and intense competition. The role requires a unique blend of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Market Analysis
- Competitive Intelligence: Monitor competitor activities, market positioning, pricing strategies, and product launches to identify opportunities and threats
- Market Trend Identification: Analyze macro and micro market trends to forecast industry shifts and emerging opportunities
- Consumer Insights: Lead research initiatives to understand customer needs, preferences, behaviors, and pain points
- Strategic Recommendations: Translate data findings into actionable strategies that drive business growth
Research & Analytics Leadership
- Research Design: Develop comprehensive research methodologies using both qualitative and quantitative approaches
- Tool Selection & Management: Evaluate and implement market research platforms and analytics tools, including survey research tools like Conjointly for advanced choice modeling and pricing research
- Data Integration: Combine multiple data sources (primary research, secondary data, sales data, digital analytics) into cohesive insights
- Reporting Framework: Establish standardized reporting mechanisms that deliver insights to stakeholders at all levels
Team Management & Development
- Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a team of market researchers, data analysts, and insights professionals
- Capability Building: Foster a culture of continuous learning and analytical excellence
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with product, marketing, sales, and executive teams to align insights with business objectives
- Vendor Management: Oversee relationships with external research agencies and data providers
Business Partnership
- Executive Consultation: Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives on market dynamics and strategic opportunities
- Stakeholder Communication: Present complex findings in clear, compelling narratives that drive action
- Budget Management: Allocate research budgets efficiently across projects and initiatives
- ROI Demonstration: Quantify the business impact of insights-driven decisions
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Statistics, Economics, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- 8-12+ years of experience in market research, consumer insights, or business intelligence
- 3-5+ years in a leadership or management role
- Proven track record of delivering strategic insights that influenced business outcomes
Technical Skills
- Research Methodologies: Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including surveys, focus groups, ethnography, and conjoint analysis
- Analytics Tools: Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, R, Python), data visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI), and research platforms
- Market Intelligence Platforms: Experience with competitive intelligence tools, social listening platforms, and syndicated data sources
- Statistical Analysis: Strong understanding of statistical concepts, hypothesis testing, and predictive modeling
Soft Skills
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect data points to broader business implications
- Communication Excellence: Outstanding presentation and storytelling skills to influence stakeholders
- Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
- Business Acumen: Deep understanding of business strategy, P&L dynamics, and commercial drivers
- Curiosity: Insatiable desire to understand “why” behind market phenomena
Industry-Specific Variations
The role may vary depending on the industry:
- Consumer Goods/Retail: Heavy focus on shopper insights, category management, and promotional effectiveness
- Technology/SaaS: Emphasis on product-market fit, user experience research, and competitive positioning
- Financial Services: Concentration on customer segmentation, risk analysis, and regulatory landscape monitoring
- Healthcare/Pharma: Focus on patient insights, physician behavior, and market access strategies
- B2B/Enterprise: Priority on account intelligence, buying committee research, and market sizing
Salary Expectations by Market and Seniority
Compensation for Head of Insights & Market Intelligence positions varies significantly by geography and experience level:
| Market | Junior/Manager Level | Mid-Level Head | Senior/Director Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | 120,000 - 160,000 | 160,000 - 220,000 | 220,000 - 320,000+ |
| United States (USD) | 110,000 - 150,000 | 150,000 - 210,000 | 210,000 - 350,000+ |
| Canada (CAD) | 100,000 - 140,000 | 140,000 - 190,000 | 190,000 - 280,000+ |
| Australia (AUD) | 130,000 - 175,000 | 175,000 - 240,000 | 240,000 - 350,000+ |
| Philippines (PHP) | 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 | 3,500,000 - 5,500,000+ |
| Thailand (THB) | 1,800,000 - 2,400,000 | 2,400,000 - 3,500,000 | 3,500,000 - 5,000,000+ |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | 65,000 - 90,000 | 90,000 - 130,000 | 130,000 - 200,000+ |
| Germany (EUR) | 75,000 - 105,000 | 105,000 - 145,000 | 145,000 - 210,000+ |
| France (EUR) | 70,000 - 95,000 | 95,000 - 135,000 | 135,000 - 195,000+ |
| Netherlands (EUR) | 75,000 - 105,000 | 105,000 - 145,000 | 145,000 - 205,000+ |
Note: Salaries are base compensation and may not include bonuses, equity, or other benefits. Actual compensation varies by company size, industry, and individual qualifications.
Career Path & Progression
The typical career trajectory to and from this role:
Path to Head of Insights:
- Market Research Analyst → Senior Analyst → Manager, Insights → Senior Manager/Associate Director → Head of Insights
Progression from Head of Insights:
- VP of Insights & Analytics
- Chief Insights Officer (CIO)
- VP of Strategy
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
- General Management roles
Key Success Factors
To excel in this role, professionals should:
- Balance rigor with speed: Deliver high-quality insights within business timelines
- Think commercially: Always connect insights to revenue, profit, or strategic outcomes
- Build influence: Develop credibility and trust across the organization
- Stay current: Keep pace with evolving research methodologies and analytical techniques
- Embrace technology: Leverage AI, machine learning, and automation to enhance capabilities
- Cultivate curiosity: Challenge assumptions and dig deeper into underlying drivers
The Future of This Role
As we move through 2026, the Head of Insights & Market Intelligence role continues to evolve:
- AI Integration: Increased use of artificial intelligence for predictive analytics and automated insight generation
- Real-time Intelligence: Shift from periodic reports to continuous, real-time market monitoring
- Experience Research: Growing emphasis on customer experience (CX) and user experience (UX) research
- Ethical Data Use: Greater responsibility for privacy compliance and ethical research practices
- Hybrid Methodologies: Blending traditional research with digital behavioral data and social listening
Conclusion
The Head of Insights & Market Intelligence is a pivotal role for organizations seeking to compete effectively in data-driven markets. It requires a rare combination of analytical rigor, strategic vision, and leadership capability. For professionals aspiring to this position, developing both technical expertise and business acumen is essential.
Whether you’re hiring for this role or preparing yourself for this career step, understanding these comprehensive requirements and expectations will help ensure success in this dynamic and rewarding position.